As Time Goes By

I grew up with my wife as the 'girl next door', but our lives took different paths after HS graduation. Almost 35 years later we crossed paths and both were alone. Six months later we married and are approaching our 13th anniversary. We have seen every episode...many several times...and continue to laugh and cry together at so many of the situations. We really just wanted to let those responsible for such an outstanding production know how deeply they have affected our lives in a positive manner. We are indebted to the actors and all others who put this show together for bringing such an absolute joy and contentment into our lives.

This is the kind of show that restores faith in drama and comedy presentations on television. The producers and director have actually produced a show for a mature audience. The people portrayed are credible and delightful, and seem to be enjoying their participation in the series. My one fear is that the series is not continuing. I'm not sure how many episodes there are beyond Lionel and Jean's marriage, by my count, there seem to be another 5 to 10. The series is so good that I know that we would just love it to continue on. This gem of a show is the sort that people don't know terribly much about as it never received much fanfare. But, everyone I know who does watch it, almost always shares our enthusiasm and like ourselves, is shocked to discover that someone else loves it as much as they do. The cast and administrators should know how well appreciated they are for this wonderful show.

Over the years, I have watched the odd episode of "As Time Goes By" ... but just recently I started watching this series on a regular basis, and can now understand why my husband would cut conversations short because he had to watch his favourite actress,Judi Dench, in "As Time Goes By." Now, I'm doing the same thing. Here in Canada, I have the chance to watch it every day. The antics of these two characters are wonderful to watch. I almost feel I'm a visitor in their home in England. I think my husband could have played the part of Lionel very well. In fact I've started calling him Lionel. These actors have good chemistry on the screen and it's hard to believe that they're just acting their parts. A great show!

What I hate about American comedy series is the perceived need for a punchline every 15 seconds. What I love about this series, is the gentle, ambling approach the script takes, as it follows its characters through their daily lives. And they are characters - wonderful ones - but never caricatures. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer are just perfect in their portrayals, and they are ably supported by a talented cast. Every now and then there is a good, solid belly laugh to be had, but for the most part the humour is subtle and very clever. I feel very warm towards these characters. If they were real I think I should like to invite them to tea. Dench and Palmer appear to enjoy their roles, and when they exchange glances it seems to be not acting, but genuine regard that they show towards each other. May they live happily ever after...........

My mother and I have watched this on PBS every Sunday night for the past several years. And we both absolutely love it. The characterizations are perfect, the characters credible and amiable, the dialog VERY well written, the entire series reliably funny and likable and just plain delightful.

My mother and I always say at the end of each episode something like this: "They're such nice people ... wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have them for neighbors?" How many characters in either movie or TV can that be said of? I can't find a rating opportunity for this one. Darn. I would give it a 9 out of 10.